Should I Consider Routine Blood Testing?
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You could be driven to boost your performance, identify the source of your fatigue, or you may simply be looking to make sure you are on the right track. Either way, we recommend blood testing as a fundamental step to achieving your health goals. Here’s why.
You can think of blood markers like a map of what is happening in your body. Curious if your keto diet is really working for you? A lipid panel could reveal if those fats are doing more harm than good. You may also be wondering if your morning coffee is spiking your cortisol levels. A hormone test could show whether your stress levels are balanced or if they’re wearing you down. Similarly, if you are unsure of your supplement routine, a vitamin and mineral check could tell you if your body is actually absorbing the nutrients that you need and which adjustments are worth considering.
Blood biomarkers are the signals sent out by your body, reflecting everything from the wellbeing of organs down to the level of your hormones.
The following are some of the biomarkers which blood tests in general can provide insights into:
HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): It is an important marker of long-term blood sugar control and therefore reflects the ability of your system to manage glucose over the past few months. It’s especially important for tracking diabetes. If you ever wonder why you feel sluggish after lunch even though you haven’t had anything sweet? Monitoring HbA1c can tell you if it’s more than just a sugar crash.
Hormones : Small yet mighty; hormones rule everything from mood to metabolism. Any kind of imbalance affects everything from energy levels to mental clarity.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4) : Your thyroid plays a big role in regulating your metabolism. Testing these markers can ascertain if it’s under or overactive.
Lipid Profile (Cholesterol and Triglycerides) : Tests such as these measure your blood fats, giving you a detailed breakdown of your cardiovascular health. High triglycerides or cholesterol levels are a red flag that it’s time to adjust your diet, lifestyle or fitness routine.
Cholesterol : Simply put, high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) can clog up the arteries, while HDL (good cholesterol) helps clear it out, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) : CRP levels are there to give you clues as to whether your body is battling chronic inflammation. In terms of medical conditions, inflammation could be linked to everything from heart disease to autoimmune disorders.
Iron and Ferritin : Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen within your blood. The lack of it will eventually cause weakness, dizziness, or even cognitive problems. Feeling dizzy, or unusually tired after exercise? The hidden culprit can be low iron .
Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D can explain everything from constant fatigue to bad mood, and even constant colds. It is a very important nutrient both for the bones and immunity; so keeping an eye on your levels is always a good idea.
Vitamin Levels : In a general sense, tracking vitamin levels at home helps you spot any deficiencies that might be contributing to your symptoms.
It's time to know exactly what supplements and rituals your body needs for optimal wellbeing. Using the power of one single test.
Healf Zone technology will combine blood diagnostics, wearables data, and expert insights to measure your biomarkers and provide tailored recommendations via a personalised dashboard. It's coming soon and we want you to be the first to know about it.
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This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf